pastel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal & Informal
Quick answer
What does “pastel” mean?
A soft, chalk-like crayon or the artwork created with it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, chalk-like crayon or the artwork created with it; a soft, pale shade of a colour.
Can refer to art created with pastel media, to a category of light, desaturated colours, or metaphorically to something subtle, delicate, or lacking in intensity (e.g., a pastel personality).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Largely identical. Both associate pastels with softness, spring, and delicacy.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, common in contexts of art, design, and fashion.
Grammar
How to Use “pastel” in a Sentence
[creation] in pastel[creation] with pastelsa pastel of [subject]dressed in pastelspainted in soft pastelsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pastel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb use.
American English
- No standard verb use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb use.
American English
- No standard adverb use.
adjective
British English
- The room was decorated in pastel colours.
- She wore a lovely pastel green scarf.
American English
- We chose a pastel yellow for the kitchen walls.
- His pastel-toned shirt was perfect for spring.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing or design (e.g., 'The pastel palette appeals to a younger demographic').
Academic
In art history or fine arts studies (e.g., 'Degas's mastery of the pastel medium').
Everyday
Describing colours of clothing, home decor, or art supplies (e.g., 'She prefers pastel blue for the nursery').
Technical
In colour theory or graphic design, referring to a tint (colour + white).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pastel”
- Mispronouncing as /peɪs.təl/ (like 'paste').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to pastel a picture' is incorrect; use 'to draw/paint in pastel').
- Confusing 'pastel' (noun/adjective) with 'pastille' (a lozenge).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun (an art medium or a type of colour), but it is very commonly used attributively as an adjective (e.g., pastel colours, pastel drawing).
Pastels are a specific art medium made of pure pigment and a binder, known for their soft, powdery texture and blendability. 'Crayon' is a broader term that can refer to wax crayons (like children's crayons) or oil pastels, which are different in composition and effect.
Yes, but it's metaphorical and somewhat literary. A 'pastel personality' would suggest someone who is subtle, gentle, and not loud or intense.
In British English, the stress is usually on the first syllable: /ˈpæs.təl/. In American English, both /ˈpæs.təl/ and /pæsˈtɛl/ (stress on second syllable) are common, especially in artistic contexts.
A soft, chalk-like crayon or the artwork created with it.
Pastel is usually formal & informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Occasionally used in phrases like 'not a pastel personality' meaning not subtle or gentle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PAST' + 'EL' — colours from a PAST era are often softer and more ELegant, like pastels.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOUR IS DELICACY (pastel colours map onto concepts of softness, gentleness, and subtlety).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'pastel' LEAST likely to be used?